Mission Statement

I paint because I can't not paint. I try to remain open to acknowledge symbols and icons around me and then snap them into place like decoded puzzles. I am attracted to images both sacred and pop, ranging from the works of Old Masters and religious art, to candy wrappers and Japanese toys. Much of my art engulfs the subject of women somewhere between the flowered waters surrounding Ophelia and the life-sustaining waters nurturing a fetus in utero. I'm not afraid of cliched subjects. I will fearlessly balance on a tightrope and support my intentions to portray women's strengths and complexities while holding a parasol in one hand and my umbilical cord in the other. There is no soap box containing feminist messages (though soap boxes can be found in my art). My hope is that through my images of women, ranging from the Virgin Mary to Wonder Woman, that someone somewhere will connect in an unspoken familiarity.
Artists strive to play meaning-of-life tag, connect the dots from yesterday through tomorrow, and paint by the numbers of the universe. My mission is to shut up and listen to the whispered secrets of Dali and Khalo, da Vinci and Warhol. Then I have to hurry up and paint it so you'll see it.

CARMEN CHANCELLOR

CARMEN CHANCELLOR GALLERY